The starting point of a deep-sea expedition can sometimes be in places as inconspicuous as a back yard of an institution. Before material and gear for DIVA 3 could be assembled and packed to go on board R/V Meteor, the containers had to be freshened up, having been exposed to seawater and everything middle European winters have to offer.

For scientists and technicians of the DZMB this meant a couple of days away from desks and benches, taking up jobs as metal workers and painters. A welcome change!

Last week, boxes were lined up in the hallways and filled with millions of items such as laboratory equipment, sample jars and microscopes. Absolutely nothing was to be forgotten because deep-sea expeditions are nearly always far away from any coast, harbour and hardware store. Large sampling gear such as box corers were carefully placed in the freshly painted container. On Tuesday, 2 June, customs will inspect and seal the containers, which will then travel to the Meteor and not opened again until the expedition DIVA 3 is underway.